Using ESCS to prevent damage from flooding in roads and bridges

Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute welcomes the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (#FHWA) announcement of the $6 million Emergency Relief (#ER) funds to help the Vermont Agency of Transportation (#VTrans).

Expanded Shale, Clay, and Slate (#ESCS) aggregates play a significant role in preventing flood damage in roads and bridges through several key mechanisms:

1. Enhanced Drainage: ESCS aggregates are highly permeable, allowing water to pass through easily. This permeability helps in managing stormwater by directing, filtering, and storing runoff away from structures. By promoting efficient drainage, ESCS reduces the risk of water accumulation that can lead to flooding. <https://lnkd.in/dSSCpx25>

2. Reduced Settlement: ESCS is lightweight, weighing nearly half that of conventional fills. This reduced weight minimizes settlement under densely packed roadways and bridges, which is crucial in flood-prone areas. By reducing the load on underlying structures, ESCS helps maintain the integrity of roads and bridges during heavy rainfall. <https://lnkd.in/gr7DUKii>

3. Soil Stabilization: The angular network of pores in ESCS aggregates enhances soil stability. This structural integrity prevents soil erosion and uneven settlement, which are common issues during floods. By stabilizing the soil, ESCS helps maintain the foundation of roads and bridges, reducing the risk of damage. <https://lnkd.in/dSSCpx25>

4. Thermal Insulation: ESCS aggregates provide excellent thermal insulation, which can help in maintaining the temperature of the soil and surrounding environment. This property is beneficial in preventing the freeze-thaw cycles that can exacerbate flood damage by causing cracks and weakening the structure of roads and bridges. <https://lnkd.in/gr7DUKii>

5. Support for Vegetation: ESCS aggregates support vegetation growth by providing deep aeration and high nutrient-holding capacity. Healthy vegetation can further stabilize the soil and reduce surface runoff, contributing to better flood management. <https://lnkd.in/dSSCpx25>

By integrating ESCS aggregates into the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, engineers can create more resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and flooding. This approach not only enhances the durability of these structures but also contributes to sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices. Federal Highway Administration Vermont Agency of Transportation

Join ESCSI and Become A Member

Producer Membership

ESCSI offers Producer membership to firms or individuals producing and shipping lightweight aggregates consistently conforming to the current version of Specifications C-330 and C-331 of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Such lightweight aggregates shall be produced by expanding and vitrifying suitable shale, clay and slate by the rotary kiln process.

Associate Membership

ESCSI offers Associate membership to companies, individuals or organizations that promote or support services to the expanded shale, clay or slate members. Industry associations that support ESCS and whose members include ESCS manufacturers, distributors and suppliers may join as Associate members. Companies or associations that produce or promote alternative products for uses similar to uses of expanded shale, clay or slate are not eligible for Associate membership.